Yokozuna still perfect

FUKUOKA – Hakuho and Harumafuji didn’t budge an inch in this year’s last title race as the two yokozuna improved to 10-0 at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.

Two-thirds of the way through the meet, Hakuho beat down fourth-ranked maegashira Tochinowaka to surpass former great Takanohana on the career wins list, claiming sole possession of sixth place with his 702nd victory in the top-tier makuuchi division.

Harumafuji made quick work of No. 5 Aoiyama, grabbing the back of the belt from the tachiai before tossing him onto the sandy surface — all in one swift motion.

The two Mongolian yokozuna were being chased by a pack of three at 8-2 — ozeki Kakuryu and Kisenosato, and sixth-ranked Chiyotairyu.

Tochinowaka took on a yokozuna for the second straight day, but had no better fortune as Hakuho moved to 3-0 in his career against the Kasugano wrestler, winning by oshitaoshi.

Harumafuji got payback against the towering Aoiyama, who upset him at the September tourney.

The 192-cn Bulgarian came out roaring at the start, but Harumafuji used the momentum against his man, sending him rolling head-first to the ground.